HGV MOT Exemptions - Proposed withdrawal of some categories

Mobile Cranes may lose exempt status

IMPS and MVT already working on the official consultative process
on behalf of UK Military Vehicle owners.
Enthusiasts may be aware of the Consultation Document that has been raised
by the Department for Transport (DfT) with regard to proposals to reduce
the number of categories of HGV that are exempt from MOT testing.
In summary the position is this:

1. If you own a post-1960 HGV (all pre-1960 HGVs are exempt, and it is
not proposed to withdraw this), then it must go through an HGV test, unless
it falls into one of the test exempt categories. This list of exemptions
is being reviewed, and the DfT is proposing to withdraw some of those
exemption categories.

2. The DfT has issued a consultation document, which can be accessed
at
the website:

. This shows the full list of current exemptions, and those planned to
be withdrawn. There are few exempt categories that would apply to Military
Vehicles. If, however, you believe you own an exempt vehicle, then it
is recommended you check the website to confirm the current and proposed
position. If you consider your vehicle is exempt, and that the category
under which it is covered is being considered for withdrawal, then you
can put a submission to the DfT stating why you believe it should remain
exempt, via the website (or by letter).

- concerns of HGV owners, who may now have to have their vehicle tested,
about access to testing stations, potentially prohibitive cost of tests,
etc.

- ensuring that HGV testing of historic vehicles takes account of their
design and construction at the time they were built (similar to the ordinary
MoT test), so that there are not requirements to have HGVs 'upgraded'
to include modern criteria, and that HGV MoT testers are properly aware
of the nature of historic vehicles and apply a standard set of rules across
all testing stations, but always recognising the importance of road safety.

- mitigating as much as possible the administrative impact of HGV testing
for historic vehicles, such as access to testing stations; making inspectors
available to inspect vehicles on site, where access to testing stations
is impractical; keeping costs down, etc, but again recognising the importance
of road safety.

- promoting to the DfT the responsibility of MV owners of exempt vehicles
to ensure that their vehicles are safe and roadworthy, and do not use
the exemption to put unsafe vehicles onto the public highway.

As responsible historic vehicle clubs IMPS and MVT support efforts to
improve road safety. Their role is to try to promote a balance in legislation
that properly reflects both road safety and the technical aspects of historic
vehicles, as well as ensuring that, where possible, the membership is
aware of their legal obligations.